2013 Ford Focus ST Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2013 Ford Focus ST Long-Term Road Test

Checking the cargo space on the Edmunds.com's long-term road test of the 2013 Ford Focus ST.

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rjett

Any thoughts about putting one of those cat-back systems on the ST? I've heard it sounds really good stock. Does it even need the upgrade?

mlavoie

Awww, for a second there I thought you guys were going to test Magnaflow's ST cat back system.

I love the way my ST sounds, but what we hear is mostly intake sound, thanks to that sound symposer device. The exhaust is extremely quiet. A little bit too much to my liking even.

Im wondering if their kits add decent depth to the sound without sounding annoying when cruising.

rjett

@mlavoie This is exactly what I want to know. I'm very interested in this car, and a cat-back system is probably the first thing I would do to it if purchased. But I don't want a system that has an overpowering drone at cruising speeds.

fordson1

Tests I've seen indicate no power increase with a cat-back. I would do the reflash and an intake - that's where the gains are. I have no interest in paying $800 for something to make the car sound "better."

rjett

@fordson1 I completely agree. I was unaware that there were no power gains. I guess this means the stock ST exhaust system is actually quite good. Considering this, I would set my sights on the reflash and intake as well.

duck87

There's no gains to be had from a catback exhaust because there's a giant snail in the way after the header (which is where any gains would be had)... beyond that, a catback consists of tubes and mufflers, so you wouldn't expect much in the way of power increases.

stunthunt

If the ST came only as a sedan, I wouldn't own one.